Can you tell us about your career journey and how your training or qualifications helped you get there?
I began my journey with the Busy Bees Group in 2004, starting out in nurseries and progressing to Assistant Nursery Manager. In 2015, I moved into Busy Bees Education and Training as a Development Coach, where I had the privilege of supporting Early Years apprentices, helping them grow both personally and professionally.
In 2017, I transitioned into the role of Learner Recruitment Officer. In this position, I supported the recruitment of new apprentices and helped existing Busy Bees colleagues, as well as external candidates, progress their careers through the wide range of apprenticeships on offer.
Alongside my career progression, I have continued to invest in my own development, completing the Team Leader Level 3 and Business Administration Level 3 qualifications. I am now nearing completion of my Level 5 Operational Departmental Manager apprenticeship. Each qualification has strengthened my skills, enhanced my confidence and positively shaped my leadership journey.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your sector, and did you always know this was the path for you?
Working within the Early Years sector, it was incredible to see apprentices begin their careers and gain recognised qualifications while learning on the job. Watching individuals grow in confidence, develop new skills and build their knowledge, supported by their Development Coach, colleagues and managers was truly inspiring.
I wanted to be part of that journey: supporting someone as they take their first step into an apprenticeship and guiding them as they progress in their career.
What challenges did you face along the way, and how did your learning or qualifications help you overcome them?
With every new role comes new challenges, new skills to learn, new responsibilities and new expectations. Completing qualifications at each stage of my career provided me with the knowledge, behaviours and confidence needed to step into those roles successfully.
Having supportive managers and colleagues who believed in my potential also made a significant difference. That combination of formal learning and workplace support has been key to my progression.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in your sector or thinking about taking similar training?
Working in this sector is rewarding, meaningful and full of progression opportunities. If you enjoy helping people, thrive in varied environments and want a career with real purpose, it’s a fantastic path to take.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I would strongly encourage you to go for it. An apprenticeship offers practical experience, recognised qualifications, income and genuine career progression, opportunities that many other routes simply can’t match.
How has your career developed since completing your qualifications, and what opportunities do you see for others following the same path?
My own development continues to flourish. Each apprenticeship I have completed has enhanced my performance and expanded my leadership capability, ultimately leading me to my current role as Head of Engagement.
For others following a similar path, the opportunities are significant. Apprenticeships provide a clear progression route, whether that’s advancing within Early Years, moving into training and development, or stepping into leadership and management roles. With the right support and commitment, the possibilities are wide-ranging and achievable.